Monthly Archives: October 2017

Furnace Noises – Your Furnace Is Talking, But What Is It Saying?

Every year, we get phone calls from homeowners here in the Omaha area asking about a variety of furnace sounds and if there is cause for concern. Well, luckily, here at Getzschman Heating and Cooling, we speak furnace. We’ve put together this list of noises your furnace can make and given you an explanation for each one as well as a concern level. Just like when you wake up from a long nap, you may make some strange sounds – grunts, groans, yawns and squeals – your furnace does the same thing. Here are some sounds to listen for:

Furnace Noises

We’ve broken them down into normal noises and noises to be concerned about:

Normal Furnace Sounds

Chirp – Chirping sounds are fairly common. It’s usually the natural noise of the mechanisms.

Rattle – Rattling noises usually happen when the system is cooling down and it’s not generally cause for alarm.

Hum – This is usually a sound that happens when the furnace burner lights. It can be followed by a click.

Crackle – Crackling noises may be the metal parts cooling down after the furnace shuts off.

Ping – This sound can also be caused by contracting and expanding ducts.

Noises to Be Concerned About

Boom – These sounds are usually your ductwork expanding and contracting with the changes in temperatures throughout the seasons. But, if this happens and your furnace smells like it’s burning, you might have a dirty burner in your furnace or a defective gas valve. Have a professional check it out.

Screech – This could be a problem with your motor or fan belt. Call a pro before you have a bigger problem.

Whine – Whining or odd vibrating noise may indicate a problem with your system. Call in an expert.

Clunk – Clunking or bumping sounds often mean you have a cracked belt. Fix it immediately.